The war in Ukraine has proven the effectiveness of man-portable ATGMs. Shoulder launched ATGMs in particular.
Roketsan, Turkey’s largest missile & rocket company, has added the 4th addition to its ATGM family. The Karaok will be Turkey’s first domestic shoulder-launched ATGM. Like the Javelin, it has a standard range of 2.5km and uses its infrared seeker for fire and forget function. Once the operator fires it, there is no need to guide it manually, the operator can seek cover immediately. This has proven immensely effective in Ukraine, where the Javelin has been used by mobile infantry to ambush tanks and other vehicles.
Once introduced, the Karaok will be a key component in the modernization of the Turkish military. Turkish vehicles already carry new generation ATGMs. However, shoulder-fired anti-tank weapons in the Turkish inventory currently lack any guidance. Therefore, the Karaok will be a major step forward for the lethality of Turkish infantry forces.
The Karaok recently passed its firing tests. It is expected to enter the Turkish Armed Forces inventory this year.
| Diameter | 125 mm |
| Mass | < 16 kg (missile + tube) |
| Range | 2.5 kilometre |
| Warhead | Tandem armour piercing |
| Fire modes | Direct attack/ top attack |
| Guidance | Infrared homing fire and forget |
